Scrap Lead Prices in Perth
Scrap lead in Perth currently pays from $0.76 per kilogram for lead-acid batteries up to $1.27 for soft lead. As the capital of Western Australia, Perth has the densest scrap yard network in the state.
Lead grades and payouts in Perth (per kg)
Estimated yard payouts for each grade, based on the current LME spot ($2.75/kg) and Perth's 0.92× regional adjustment. Actual offers vary by yard, load size, and material quality.
| Grade | Payout rate | Est. mid (AUD/kg) | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft Lead Pure lead in pipe, sheet, or ingot form. | 50% | $1.27 | $1.08 – $1.46 |
| Lead-Acid Batteries Whole batteries, priced per kilogram including casing and acid. Yards may have minimum quantities. | 30% | $0.76 | $0.65 – $0.87 |
Price history
Local Perth prices track the national lead series — multiply by 0.92 for Perth equivalents. View the full 30-day chart on the national lead page.
Where these numbers come from
| Figure | Value | Source | Type | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead spot price | A$2.75/kg | MetalpriceAPI (LME-linked market data) | Market data feed | |
| Perth regional factor | 0.92× | Our model (freight distance and yard rate differences) | Our estimate | |
| Lead grade payout rates | 50% / 30% | Our estimate from published yard rate cards | Our estimate |
Spot prices are converted to Australian dollars per kilogram. Yard payouts are our estimates (spot × grade payout rate × regional factor), not quotes from any yard. Full detail: methodology.
Lead in Perth
Perth's isolation from East Coast smelters means higher transport costs, which scrap yards pass on as lower payouts. Mining services drive much of the local non-ferrous scrap flow.
As a capital city, Perth has the densest scrap yard concentration in Western Australia, with active buyers for all common lead grades. Industrial demolition, residential renovations, and trade volumes from electricians, plumbers, and panel beaters provide consistent supply.
Scrap yards in Perth that buy lead
54 scrap yards listed in the Perth area. Browse all yards in Perth →
Frequently asked questions
What's the current price for scrap lead in Perth? +
Today's estimated payouts in Perth range from $0.76 per kilogram (lead-acid batteries) up to $1.27 (soft lead). Prices update daily and reflect Perth's 0.92× regional adjustment from the Sydney benchmark. See the grades table above for all payouts.
Where can I sell scrap lead in Perth? +
Check the Perth yard directory for addresses and phone numbers, then call 2-3 yards before transport. Most Perth yards accept lead in all common grades, though smaller yards may have minimum weight requirements.
Why does Perth pay 8% less than Sydney for lead? +
Transport cost. Lead sold in Perth eventually travels to a smelter or export port — typically via the state capital — and yards price the freight cost into their offer. The 0.92× regional adjustment models this transport drag based on observed yard rates and distance to processing facilities.
How is lead graded at Perth yards? +
Perth yards use the same grading system as the rest of Australia: Soft Lead, Lead-Acid Batteries. The grade depends on cleanliness, alloy purity, and contamination. See our complete <a href="/metals/lead/">Lead grading guide</a> for what each grade means, examples, and how to identify it.
Do Perth scrap yards require photo ID? +
For copper, copper alloy, gold or silver, the licensed dealer must verify the seller's identity to at least 100 points using the checks in regulation 13 (photo documents score higher). For steel, aluminium and other scrap outside the Act no statutory ID requirement was found, although yards may set their own. (No scrap-specific Act. The Pawnbrokers and Second-hand Dealers Act 1994 and Regulations 1996 apply; last checked 2026-09-02.)
Can I be paid cash for scrap metal in Perth? +
No cash ban. The licensing change that took effect on 1 December 2020 did not stop cash payment (as reported by the building industry's PACT Site Security), although licensed dealers must record and report copper and copper alloy transactions. (Last checked 2026-09-02.)
Is it worth driving from Perth to a bigger city for higher lead rates? +
Generally no, unless you have a very large load. Fuel costs from Perth to the nearest capital quickly eat the rate difference, especially for a single residential load. The exception is high-value loads of clean copper or brass — for loads above a few hundred kilograms of clean material, the maths can work out. For everything else, consolidate locally and accept the 0.92× rate.